Alton Towers – Visiting the Chained Oak

The chained oak and Alton Towers, a true local legend that you can visit on your next trip to the park.

‘For every branch of the old oak that falls, a member of your family will die!’

If you’ve ever been to Alton Towers, then you’ve probably been on Hex. If not, then next time you visit you definitely should. This Vekoma Madhouse is located in the restored ruins of the Alton Towers themselves. Hex tells the story of the chained oak tree, a true local legend. This horror themed attraction may add the story of a recently discovered vault where the Earl experimented upon a fallen branch, but otherwise it is completely based on fact. Well, legend…but a real one with real basis.

Legend says that the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury was cursed by a beggar when returning to the Towers one Autumn night. His coach halted upon reaching a beggar in the road. The Earl mocked the beggar and refused to assist her. Upon his cruelty, the beggar proceeded to curse the Earl. Her curse warned that every time a branch fell from the near old oak tree, one of his family members would die. The Earl dismissed her. However that night a storm struck one of the tree’s branches and a member of his family mysteriously died. Filled with fear and now believing the curse, the Earl sent his servants to the tree. He ordered that every single branch should be chained together to prevent more from falling. To this day the tree is still chained and yes, you can still visit it.

How to get there…

Located only five minutes from Alton Towers, a visit to this intriguing Oak tree is easy to add onto your next park trip. Simply follow directions to the Chained Oak Bed and Breakfast located at –

Chained Oak Farm

Farley Lane

Alton

ST10 4BZ

Then, park over the road in the lay-by. Cross the road to the Bed and Breakfast and immediately follow the signposted footpath to the left. Keep walking for about five minutes and you’ll spot the tree on your right. Located at the top of some steps, the Oak tree still stands with many chains remaining. 

Please, if you do plan on visiting, be respectful of the tree and its history. Don’t damage it any more than others unfortunately already have. Oh, and try not to get cursed.

Also please check out our article on the Top 5 Theme Parks in the UK.